The Hard Truth About Executive Paralysis

This article examines executive decision-making paralysis, focusing on the routine tabling or outright ignoring of seemingly obvious issues, problems, and challenges within organizations. Through a wide range of examples spanning strategy, talent management, operations, finance, external agility, communications, and ethics, the analysis highlights the disconnect between expected executive action and observed inaction. The significant negative impacts of paralysis are explored, including reduced productivity, decreased morale, missed opportunities, and ultimately, compromised organizational performance. The article delves into potential diagnoses for widespread indecision, categorizing them as “soft” and “hard.” Ultimately, the article argues that the systemic nature of this paralysis may make it incurable.